10 Modern Ways to Add Black Accents to Your Home

I've always been intimidated by using black in my home decor, but when I saw interior designer Julie Khuu's tips, I started to get some ideas.


I loved her video on how to decorate with blue, so here is her advice for incorporating black accents into your home for a sophisticated and elevated touch.

Black is Bold and Beautiful

Black is a classic and versatile color that can be used to add drama, sophistication, and grounding to any space. Don't be afraid to embrace black accents in your home, whether you have a traditional, farmhouse, bohemian, glam, classic, or minimalist style.

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1. Black Windows and Trim

Black framing around windows and doors adds a touch of modern elegance and draws the eye to the view.

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2. Dramatic Black Doors

A statement black door creates a bold contrast against white walls, especially with a high-gloss finish.


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3. Focal Black Walls

Create a dramatic focal point with a black accent wall. This works well in a bedroom behind a white bed or art piece.

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Give your interior a dramatic look with this bestseller wall paint that Amazon reviewers swear by!

Behr's Color of the Year for 2024 - Cracked Pepper

This tip reminded me that Behr chose Cracked Pepper, a dark gray (almost black), as the Color of the Year for 2024. I love the ideas they shared for using this paint color, especially with minimalist styling and warm wood tones:

Image by Behr
Image by Behr
Image by Behr

Behr Cracked Pepper at Home Depot

4. Black Kitchen Island

Ground a white kitchen with a contrasting black island. You can use the same countertop material for a cohesive look or mix things up with a butcher block on the island and stone around the perimeter.

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5. Black Fixtures

If you're worried about black overwhelming a small space, opt for black light fixtures or hardware.


These are really easy to find for cheap on Amazon:

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Upgrade your kitchen with these highly recommended black fixtures that Amazon reviewers swear by!

Tudoccy 5-Pieces Matte Black Bathroom Hardware Set

Matte Black Bathroom Faucets for Sink

Matte Black Bathroom Light Fixture

6. Black Bathroom Floor Tile

Black floor tile can add a modern touch to a bathroom and make white walls and ceilings pop. Just remember that dark floors show dirt more easily.

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Upgrade your bathroom on a budget with these highly recommended peel and stick black tiles that Amazon reviewers swear by!

Impero Black 12 in. x 24 in. Marble Look Porcelain Floor and Wall Tile

Textile Basic Hex Black 8-5/8 in. x 9-7/8 in. Porcelain Floor and Wall Tile

Image by Home Depot

Personally, I prefer the look of black walls or furniture, with a warm wood floor, as shown below.

7. Black Grout

For a budget-friendly update, consider painting white tile grout black for a modern contrast.


You could even use a grout pen for this:

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Upgrade your tiles with these highly recommended black grout pen that Amazon reviewers swear by!


Grout Pen Black Tile Paint Marker

8. Black Art Frames

Black frames, whether thin or thick, can elevate your artwork and create a curated gallery wall. These are easy and affordable to buy as a set on Amazon:

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Add touches of black to your home decor with these highly recommended black frames that Amazon reviewers swear by!

Americanflat 7 Pack Black Gallery Wall Frame Set

upsimples 11x14 Picture Frame Set of 5

9. Painted Black Fireplace

Give your fireplace a fresh look with a coat of black paint.

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10. Black Outdoor Furniture

Black outdoor furniture complements the natural green of landscaping and creates a sophisticated feel.


There are actually some very affordable options out there. All of these sets are under $200:

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Upgrade your outdoor furniture with this highly recommended outdoor paint that Amazon reviewers swear by!

Aanand 2 - Person Outdoor Seating Group with Cushions

FDW Patio Furniture Set 4 Pieces

NICESOUL Outdoor Indoor Oversized Black Hanging Swing Nest Egg Chair

Tip: Start Small and Build Up

Julie suggests starting small with black accents like accessories and building up to more dramatic elements like black trim or doors, which is great advice for someone like me who is worried about using too much black and making my home feel dark.


Here are a few more smaller black decor pieces I found that I think really capture that touch of sophistication:

Marble Rectangle Tray Black

Image by Target

Slate Drink Coasters with Metal Holder

Image by Amazon

Round Ceramic Vase Black

Image from Target

Black: A Versatile Color


I think black is a color that works incredibly well in home design, adding versatility and style to any space. Depending on how you use it, black can create a chic, modern, classic, or edgy look in your home.


For a chic design, black accents like picture frames, lamps, or furniture can make a room feel sophisticated and elegant. It’s perfect for adding a touch of glamour without overwhelming the space.


In modern home design, black is often used for its clean, sleek look. Think of black countertops, cabinets, or fixtures in kitchens and bathrooms. These elements give a room a contemporary and stylish feel, making everything look crisp and well-designed.


Black is also great for a classic look. Traditional black and white color schemes, black furniture, or black and white tiles never go out of style. They bring a sense of timeless elegance to any room.


For a more edgy design, black can be used in bold statements like black walls, industrial-style furniture, or unique black decor pieces. This creates a dramatic and unique atmosphere, perfect for expressing a more adventurous and individual style.


The best thing about black is its flexibility. You can pair it with different colors, materials, and textures to see what works best for your space. Whether you want a modern look or something more daring, don’t be afraid to experiment with black in your home design and find what fits your taste.

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  • Sue Fowler Sue Fowler on Jun 18, 2024
    Black is such a timeless neutral. Always beautiful!! I plan to paint ALL trim in my house black. Also bedroom wall behind my bed, and an accent wall in my LR. Floors will be very light wood. It'll really pop against the black baseboards. LOVE IT!!
  • Antoinette Volino Antoinette Volino on Jun 18, 2024
    this was amazing! black is always the answer and this video nailed it. I vote for more black and any other ideas from this designer khuuthank u so much! keep it coming please...
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